Mountain Biking in the Cairngorms: our locals guide
With everything from undulating forest trails to gnarly downhill singletrack, Aviemore is the perfect base for any mountain bike enthusiast. The rich variety of different trails makes it ideal for groups to learn together, offering something for everyone in spectacular scenery. Learn new skills, challenge yourself and experience the Cairngorms in a way you’ll never forget.
4 best places to mountain bike near Aviemore
From right here on the site where Speyside Kitchen is based to a quick trip down the A9, here are the 4 best places to visit on your mountain bike in and around Aviemore.
Badaguish
The spacious accommodation site and events centre we here at Speyside Kitchen call home happens to have some of the area's best trails just on its doorstep. A short gradual climb on simple gravel roads from the back of Badaguish will lead you up to some solid singletrack descents through atmospheric pine forest, the foothills of the Cairngorms just visible through gaps in the trees. 15 routes are made up of mostly red runs, but a few green, blues and backs mean there’s enough for everyone to get something in.
Wolftrax Laggan
Renowned for having the ‘best mountain biking trails in Scotland’, Wolftrax Laggan is a fantastic day out. Nearly 30 trails are accompanied by a cafe, toilets and showers, and there’s plenty more to see nearby, from Pattack Falls to the excellent cafe in Laggan, making it worth the drive down from Aviemore. Wolftrax has a great variety of runs with lots of greens in the mix, making it great for beginners, but there are plenty of spicier blacks for more experience riders to get their teeth into too.
Burnside
Accessible right from Aviemore town centre, High Burnside has a fantastic range of hand-built trails. You can hire a bike from Aviemore and ride it out to get stuck in - chat to the locals in your hire shop to get the latest update on trail conditions. With lots of reds and blacks so close to town, it’s a great place to test yourself on tougher trails, take on some challenges and experience some thrills.
Glen Feshie and Insh
One of the most beautiful Glens in the Cairngorms, perhaps even Scotland, just so happens to contain lots of stunning mountain bike trails. If lots of downhill singletrack is less your thing, head to Glen Feshie for plenty of beautiful gravel tracks through gorgeous forest and river scenes - all surrounded by the western edge of the Cairngorm plateau. For those wanting more of a challenge, enjoy your ride through the stunning forest before taking on a selection of natural reds and blacks.
Where to hire
Aviemore Bikes is based just in the town centre and has a range of types of bike, including e bikes. Pre bookings only, head to their website to email.
Bothy Bikes is just down the road in Aviemore and offers excellent e bikes. Hire includes helmet, map, repair kit and route advice.
Improve your riding and train
Some excellent local providers are listed here to help you if you’re looking for training, qualifications or just a cracking guided day out on the best trails.
Off the Grid Mountain Biking is run by Neil Wilson out of Aviemore and has a simple aim: getting people cycling wherever and whenever they can. Guided trips, group coaching and one-to-one sessions are available with expert knowledge on the local area.
Cycle Wild Scotland is your go to for getting trained up if you’re interested in running mountain bike tours yourself. It’s also an excellent port of call for refining your technique and upping your level on downhill singletrack.
Top it all off by staying well fed with some incredible local food
We love supporting you on your adventures. Whilst the cold and the activity can take a lot out of you, we pride ourselves on providing fresh, healthy and hearty packups and dinners which will keep you going. You’ll get anything from hot soup in thermoses to a grain and veggie packed Buddha bowl, accompanied by a variety of homemade sweet treats for that much-needed pick me up as you take on the trails.
Planning a mountain biking adventure soon? Whether you’re a group of mates or running a course or trip, contact us and we’ll help fuel your adventure.
Email info@speysidekitchen.co.uk or call +44 1479 861387 / +44 7925 544473.
Speyside Kitchen: helping busy individuals and groups alike achieve memorable life events by providing first class event planning and catering service that prioritises customer service and customer experience.
Ready to ride at Badaguish bike park
Take on challenging trails
There are plenty of wide easy tracks as well as downhill routes around Aviemore
Nothing beats a ride in the golden hour